In the midst of a family dispute about the property of two dogs, a woman from Regina says she is devastated after the police shot one of the animals in front of her home.
Jennifer Godfrey said that one of the officers who came home on the morning of May 14 “allowed his dog to escape,” then another officer shot the dog on his chest.
“My dog was already subjected and shot him again,” Godfrey said.
According to a press release from the Regina Police Service (RPS), the officers were sent to a house in the 1500 block of Athol Street after a robbery report. Police say they were told that two dogs had been taken without permission and believed they were in that direction.
Godfrey said that his mother’s so -called wine, from whom Godfrey had spent six months trying to recover his two dogs. Godfrey said dogs are his.
CBC News has tried to contact Godfrey’s mother, but she hasn’t responded.
Godfrey said that when the police arrived home, he tried to show them property evidence, including registration, veterinary records and photos. She states that the officers refused to look at any of that.
“They knocked on my door threatening an order,” said Godfrey. “[They said] They were going to take me to jail. “
The Regina Police Press statement says that a dog “ran through the main door towards one of the officers.”
Godfrey said an officer was supporting the door while talking to him, which caused his two dogs to escape.
It was then that another officer shot Bane, and then another approximately 15 seconds later, he said.
“I felt helpless,” said Godfrey.
Godfrey said the officers arrested her shortly after and accused her of theft.
“They arrested me for the theft of my own dogs.”
The Regina Police Service confirmed to CBC News that the dog received first aid and transported to a veterinary clinic, and that their injuries were not deadly. Godfrey said the police told him Thursday night that Bane’s leg was amputated.
A woman involved in a dispute over the property of two dogs says that a Regina police officer shot one of the animals twice. Police say that its use of force is under review.
Animal control not on stage
Regina Humane Society (RHS) confirmed that animal control officers were not called to the scene.
Bill Thorn, marketing director and public relations for RHS, said that the control of animals often works with the police, but only at request.
“The Humane Society Regina acts under the contract with the city of Regina to enforce the animal statutes in regards to companion animals,” said Thorn. “If the Regina Police Service or the Fire and Protection Services meet an animal, they will communicate with us to help us.”
Thorn said that animal control officers are trained to de -desalize situations that involve aggressive animals. They also have tools, such as capture posts, to help capture an animal safely.
“They will often communicate with us because they do not have the right equipment to manage and control an animal or transport it,” he said. “But again, we don’t respond unless we are asked.”
He said that in many cases where the RHS is called, the incidents end without injury. But even without the presence of animals control, Thorn says he understands that officers can put into difficult situations in which second decisions must be made.
“Nobody wants to see a damaged animal, nor does anyone want to see damaged people.”
Godfrey said there was no reason for the officer to shoot a weapon to Bane, because he did not represent a real threat.
“It’s a good boy,” he said. “It is not aggressive at all.”
Ongoing research
RPS says the incident remains under investigation. Because a weapon shot, the case will be reviewed by the use of RPS of the Force Review Board and the Saskatchewan Police Commission was also informed.
Godfrey said she is grateful for the support of the community she has received. His daughter, Annika, launched a Gofundme campaign to raise money for Bane’s medical care.
CBC News contacted RPS, but they said they could not make comments since the investigation is ongoing.
